Hi all,

I have a '97 del Sol Si with the D16 engine and 175k which has the following symptoms:

• for a good long while, the clutch engagement was really high on the pedal, e.g. had to let it out almost fully to get it to engage. At this stage no weird noises were present
• just recently, the clutch engagement height went from really high to pretty low, very abruptly. Also the car has a slightly unusual noise when running in neutral that wasn't there before, when the clutch is disengaged or engaged, I think
• clutch just randomly doesn't work and you have to ram it into gear, I think the 1-3-5 gears

From what I've read this could mean a throwout bearing and require a clutch replacement.

Before I go into that massive undertaking, I just wanted to see if anyone has had a similar experience or maybe some good news that it doesn't need anything as drastic as that. Also any input with regards to things I could/should check before getting a clutch replacement. (I'm leaning on having it done by a pro even though I can't really afford it at this time since it's something I've never done myself before)

TIA

 

Aite cool so I checked the fluid in the master cylinder and it was down to the top of the thing that sucks fluid into the system. Added enough DOT 4 to fill the reservoir and it was really really dark, almost pitch black. Took it for a spin and the car seemed to shift normally and be back to the old clutch engagement position. Didn't seem to be any glaring wetness or leaks but I plan to go over it a bit more thoroughly later.

 

Replace the MTF. Fresh fluid will definitely help out. Grab 3 QTS but you will only use about 2.6